Wine as a gift

[msmama]

While Coscto wine might be good, it's not something I would give as a gift. I'd go to a specialized wine store, one that doesn't sell other alcohol, too and ask them. If she asked for wine, she probably would like just about anything, or be willing to try anything, would be my guess. I like the idea of paring it with a fun cheese and maybe a baguette too (if you go the French wine way, maybe some bruschetta if you get Italian, etc).

 

[lauradis]

Sweet Walters is my favorite sweet wine and its normally under $10

http://www.bullyhillvineyards.com/wine/15/sweet-walter-red/

 

[Judique]

While Coscto wine might be good, it's not something I would give as a gift. I'd go to a specialized wine store, one that doesn't sell other alcohol, too and ask them. If she asked for wine, she probably would like just about anything, or be willing to try anything, would be my guess. I like the idea of paring it with a fun cheese and maybe a baguette too (if you go the French wine way, maybe some bruschetta if you get Italian, etc).

There are some wines sold at Costco that are branded as 'Kirkland' - Costco's store brand.

Other wines at Costco are the same wines you would find in a wine shop - not a Costco brand. If you know what you like or want, you may see it at Costco at a good price point, or it may be market price.

 

[Gigi22]

In the OP's situation, I would go for any wine that was middle-of-the-road. So a lighter bodied red, especially a Pinot noir. And for whites a not too highly oaked Chardonnay, or a good Sauvignon blanc.

If you have access to wines from New Zealand, I recommend both Kim Crawford's Pinot noir and Sauvignon blanc wines. If you want the gold standard of NZ Sauvignon blancs, spring for the Cloudy Bay Sauvignon blanc -- be warned, it is just delicious!

 

[Madteaparty001]

While Coscto wine might be good, it's not something I would give as a gift. I'd go to a specialized wine store, one that doesn't sell other alcohol, too and ask them. If she asked for wine, she probably would like just about anything, or be willing to try anything, would be my guess. I like the idea of paring it with a fun cheese and maybe a baguette too (if you go the French wine way, maybe some bruschetta if you get Italian, etc).

Costco carries some fantastic wine. The guy who does the alcohol buying for costco is in every once in a while at my store and it's really great to pick his brain about some of the kirkland wines. He recognizes us every time we see him because my husband keeps pestering him about mead, which he laughingly keeps telling him 'soon! soon!' and always has a treat for my kid. You just can't beat that kind of customer service.

Now I will say that for a big wedding anniversary of my parents I did go to a gourmet food store who has a wine specialist (connoisseur?) and told him I was looking for a bottle of champagne in the $50-$100 range. I told them the kind of wines and champagnes they liked and he picked out a great bottle. My parents said it was the best they ever had, when they asked for the price so they could buy it again they decided they were happy they got to try it but wouldn't shell out for it themselves. So if you really want to spend the money and you have a reputable place near you, I'm sure they can get the job done.

Another route is a gift card to a wine bar if you have one in your city. Or gift certificate for a wine tasting at a local vineyard.

 

[Jill in Chicago]

My husband and I love many different kinds of wine, but not all. Neither of us likes sweet wine, which many people assume a woman will enjoy. Giving a gift of wine, without knowing what the person likes, is difficult. It's not the price of the wine that determines what someone will like. Going to a wine store, will only get you the advice of, "This is popular," or "Most people like this." I think I would go with a handwritten thank you card, and a gift certificate to a large liquor store or local wine store. You could add to your thanks with, "Please go pick our your favorite wine and relax, you deserve it!"

 

[NewRVLady]

Costco carries some fantastic wine. The guy who does the alcohol buying for costco is in every once in a while at my store and it's really great to pick his brain about some of the kirkland wines. He recognizes us every time we see him because my husband keeps pestering him about mead, which he laughingly keeps telling him 'soon! soon!' and always has a treat for my kid. You just can't beat that kind of customer service.

.

DH and I watched a documentary on Costco....when they got to the wine segment I was blown away about the knowledge the head buyer has-travels all over the world for deals-they sound like they know what they are doing. Don't put your nose up at a discount store-some of them know their stuff!

 

[crisi]

We are red wine drinkers.

We are very fond of the Caymus Cab in the over $50 price range and also very fond of the Rombauer Zin (which is a very fruity old vine Zin) - around $45 here. We are in a state where you need to buy liquor from a liquor store.

Those are our "special" bottles and the ones we gift out

 

[kiltclan]

I work at a large wine store as a wine associate. I'd say a nice bottle of wine should run you between $30-$55 depending on the type of wine and what region you get it from. There is a massive difference between reds and whites and if she is a drinker, that will guide you're entire purchase choice from there. My general rule of thumb is to try to avoid the large name wineries and find one that is lesser known but with similar qualities, if you go to a specialized wine store you'll be more likely to find employees who know them.
Personally I'm a fan of New World wines because they seem to have brighter, fruitier tastes, which I like. They also tend to run you a little less on the money side when getting a 'nice' bottle as there are significantly fewer regulations regarding the growing of grapes.
If you dont know what the preference is, a good stand-by is to grab a fruity Red Blend (or a fruity Cab) or a buttery Chardonnay or Sav Blanc. If you go with a Cab or Chard, Napa Valley have both had excellent grape harvests for the last few years. For Sav Blanc though, I highly recommend a foray into the world of New Zealand wines because they have begun producing and selling some of the most amazing wines lately for that grape.

 

[mjkacmom]

In the OP's situation, I would go for any wine that was middle-of-the-road. So a lighter bodied red, especially a Pinot noir. And for whites a not too highly oaked Chardonnay, or a good Sauvignon blanc.

If you have access to wines from New Zealand, I recommend both Kim Crawford's Pinot noir and Sauvignon blanc wines. If you want the gold standard of NZ Sauvignon blancs, spring for the Cloudy Bay Sauvignon blanc -- be warned, it is just delicious!

That's my go-to Sauvignon blanc.

 

[smadath]

Have you considered getting a Gift Card for your local "wine and spirits" store? Not as much fun to wrap and slap a giant bow on, but your DD's coach could pick out what she wants. And, maybe be able to get several bottles instead of one! We received one for $50 this past Christmas, and put it to good use!

 

[ctinct]

Can I just say that I am so jealous of all of you that can buy wine at Costco, Trader Joe's, the grocery store, etc.
We have to go to a package store in CT, and it's a pain in the rear.

 

[aprilchem]

My husband and I love many different kinds of wine, but not all. Neither of us likes sweet wine, which many people assume a woman will enjoy. Giving a gift of wine, without knowing what the person likes, is difficult. It's not the price of the wine that determines what someone will like. Going to a wine store, will only get you the advice of, "This is popular," or "Most people like this." I think I would go with a handwritten thank you card, and a gift certificate to a large liquor store or local wine store. You could add to your thanks with, "Please go pick our your favorite wine and relax, you deserve it!"

I second this. I am a wine drinker and teach viticulture and enology at the college level, as well as leading wine-tasting courses to Napa, Australia, and New Zealand. People always give me wine as gifts but rarely is it wine I like or drink. I'll often pass it on to my sister or somebody else I know who will enjoy it.

 

[SuzanneSLO]

I second this. I am a wine drinker and teach viticulture and enology at the college level, as well as leading wine-tasting courses to Napa, Australia, and New Zealand. People always give me wine as gifts but rarely is it wine I like or drink. I'll often pass it on to my sister or somebody else I know who will enjoy it.

I would guess, however, that you don't suggest to acquaintances that they buy you a gift of a bottle of wine (unless they happen to be vintners).

For a coach that asked for a bottle of wine if the OP wanted to give a gift, I think the OP can buy a bottle based on recommendations at a local wine store. People picky about wine, rarely ask for it as a gift. It's likely the coach will enjoy the gift even if it is not something they would buy again. -- Suzanne

 

[Happyinwonerland]

I really like to give local wines. It's a unique gift and supports local businesses. Usually they aren't very expensive, and it's a great way to be introduced to new tastes. I always come home with a wine bottle from whatever locale we've visited. My favorite has been a southern red we picked up in Kissimmee. Can't wait to return to the area and get more!

 

[havaneselover]

Can I just say that I am so jealous of all of you that can buy wine at Costco, Trader Joe's, the grocery store, etc.
We have to go to a package store in CT, and it's a pain in the rear.

My sister moved from CT to VA four years ago and she was so excited she could buy wine in TJ's and Target.

OP, I'd go the gift card route.

 

[NewRVLady]

I work at a large wine store as a wine associate. I'd say a nice bottle of wine should run you between $30-$55 depending on the type of wine and what region you get it from. .

Just My opinion-DH and I drink a lot of wine-and we can get a decent red in the $16-19 range
If we spend $30 and more for a bottle =we'd be in the poor house LOL

Pinot Noir is my fave -very light red.... Edna valley ($15) and La Crema ($20) are great!

 

[SharonZ]

I'm fairly picky about what wines I drink, but I would appreciate a gift card to the state store

 

[Pesky]

You can also be safe and pick a white that can have some appeal to red drinkers, like a Pouille Fuisse. My DH is a red drinker and likes big reds so also going off what he likes and you can do two cheaper bottles of wine. Maybe look for a nice sauv blanc (honig is one at a very good price point) and pair it with a red as well -- Joel Gott Cab is a good price and Le Volte is a nice super tuscan.